Gloria Elaine Wandless
Wandless, Gloria, (nee Rippelmeyer) age 81, of St. Louis, MO, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. Born in Murphysboro, Illinois, she was the daughter of Lillian Grace Lee Rippelmeyer and Charles Rippelmeyer.
After her mother’s death, Gloria, age 13, was cared for by many including the Hudymas, Lees, Austins, Blacks, Wilsons, Vicks and the supportive women at the Beulah Club-YWCA in East St. Louis where she lived after the age of 16. She attended Murphysboro, Belleville and East St. Louis High Schools. Gloria is preceded in death by her parents and first husband Albert B. Lamprecht.
She is survived by Donald Wandless, husband of 26 years, children Mary (Lamprecht) Robbins (Joseph), Ann (Lamprecht) Austin, Jim Lamprecht (Kathy); stepdaughters, Paula (Wandless-May) Leick (Jim) of Dubuque, Iowa, Amy (Wandless) Bandowski (Mike) of Union, MO and Karla Wandless of St. Louis; grandchildren Katherine (Robbins) Hollensteiner (Justin), Andrew Robbins; step-grandchildren, Kayla and Danny May; Madeline, Audry, and Emma Bandowski; great-grandchildren Henry and Luke Hollensteiner and godchildren. Gloria enjoyed all the children in her life and was delighted by the arrival of Luke in late April. Her son’s friends, Bill Hudson and Jim Norrenberns also had a special place in her heart.
Gloria and her first husband raised their family in Dixon and Urbana, Illinois and St. Louis, Missouri. She was proud of earning her nursing degree in 1974 while caring for her family. Gloria worked at Barnes and St. Anthony’s Hospitals in St. Louis, HealthSouth and was a nurse at The Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis.
Gloria was supportive and generous to many people, especially those who had fallen on hard times. She was a great cook and enjoyed sharing recipes with family and friends. An avid reader and news junkie, she prided herself on keeping abreast of COVID developments and vaccines. She loved early morning walks at the Missouri Botanical Garden, dancing, hearing Don sing, phone chats with friends, fresh popcorn, and the smell of rain.
At Gloria’s request, a Celebration of Life Memorial Gathering will be held at a later date when COVID restrictions are lifted. Friends and family will be notified.
Memorials in Gloria’s memory can be sent to the St. Louis Botanical Gardens where a memorial brick in her honor will be placed near her mother’s memorial brick.
I miss you mom. I pray that you are basking in God’s love and held tightly in the warmth of your mother’s arms. Dance, play, and rejoice in the glory of your essence! Annie Bug
Gloria, I know your light is shining more brightly than ever, in the peaceful embrace of the Heavenly Father. You are so greatly loved and missed, but someday we will all be reunited. Oh, what a party that will be!
She will be remembered for her generous sharing of health information to all. She certainly knew how to clean the kitchen and Parkway UCC’s kitchen was always sparkling. Prayers for Don and her family.
I was so surprised to hear that this vibrant, intelligent & caring lady is gone. What a loss to everyone who knew her.
I moved from St Louis area to AL nine years ago & stayed in constant contact with her for years. I so regret not contacting her in recent months.
Everyone who knew Gloria who always remember & cherish her friendship.
Poor Dan- take care of yourself, dear one. Judy Schanbacher
You will be missed, Gloria. I enjoyed seeing your face light up as soon as you heard music and singing. We are keeping Don and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
You were an amazing person, Gloria. I treasured your friendship and will miss you.
Such a beautiful lady. You will be truly missed. Love you Don, take care of yourself.
She was a truly lovely lady, I live at the apartment same hallway with Don and Gloria. She was friendly, cheerful,and always chatting with everyone she met.She will be missed
You are greatly missed. You were the one to plan the party and make it fun for everyone! May you rest in peace, knowing you are much loved.
Ms Gloria made my heart smile. I expect to see her every time I walk down the hallway. She was just a sweetheart to me. The first person I met when I came to look at the apartment. I was lucky enough to live across from them. Truly miss her!! Praying for all her family and friends.
Gloria was such an important part of athe Parkway community. I enjoyed seeing her each Sunday and learning about her wonderful career as a nurse. We all will miss her very much. Ellie Svenson
Hard to believe she is gone from this earth, but not from our hearts & memories. She was always a light in any gathering. She will be missed.
I knew Gloria from Parkway UCC. She was a beautiful woman. She and I connected because of our strong anti racist beliefs. She cared so much that all people were equal. She couldn’t understand how others could feel different. She was one of the most loving and caring people I knew.
So very sorry to learn of your passing. May you rest in peace. When I was little, you and your children were my “village” and I will always be thankful to all four of you.???? I am sending love, peace and strength to Don and the whole family.
What a beautiful dedication. She has to be smiling down and beaming with pride at being the recipient of such loving care. RIP
❤️hugs❤️to Ann and Family
What a beautiful lady, Ann! We are so sorry to hear of your loss. The slideshow is a loving tribute to her. You and your family are in our prayers.
Parkway United Church of Christ will always remember the loving, wonderful person Gloria. Thanks to her and Don for sharing with us.
As a loving friend of Ms. Wandless’ daughter Ann Austin, I express my heart-felt condolences.to her whole family.
Ann has always helped me (and others) see the gifts of life within the struggles. — in this light, may the gifts of Ms. Wandless’ whole life-lived, be richly and deeply honored. As a part of Ethical Culture also, I join the circle of Gloria Wandless, holding virtual hands with her family and friends, all!
May you rest in heavenly peace sweet Gloria ???? I am blessed I got to know you on the Next Door app, and appreciate the wisdom you imparted to all and the kindness and respect you showed me always.
I will never forget you. ????
I met Gloria through the Kirkwood Community Center where I saw her husband shine onstage. Gloria taught me to be the “perfect usher”.
She was a lovely lady and many blessings to her family.
Gloria was a lovely lady. We are so sorry for Don and the rest of the family. We pray you experience God’s peace.
Don, I send my sincere sympathy and prayers. Gloria was a sweet lady and she will definitely be missed. Your family will surely be a great loving support to you, and I will lift you up in
my prayers for comfort. Do take care. God is our comfort in all times.
Sincerely, Carla Holtmann
Don, I am so sorry your loss. I loved Gloria’s Facebook posts (and rants!) and will greatly miss them. She was a wonderful lady and wasn’t afraid to call out the wrongs she saw in this world.
Dear Ann and family,
I knew your mom best as a great nurse that was smart, decisive, and caring. Gloria, and those like her, helped steer me down the path of a nursing career.
May God grant your loving family peace and only the brightest and most wonderful memories to cherish forever more.
Susan and Mario Pozzo
Gloria, your face seemed to brighten a little every time I saw you as if I was a treasure about to happen. A sharp wit and always willing to speak out about unfairness.
I know Don misses his wonderful partner who seemed to make his life richer.
Heaven just got a little brighter and happier.
Dear Ann and Don and family,
Gloria was an inspiration and a true force for good. I am blessed to have known her. She was quick to take care of anyone who needed help and she always addressed the injustices she saw. I’ll never forget how she and Don met my high school- aged daughter by chance because they were among the few people who showed up on a snowy day at a counterprotest. Gloria had such good energy. She was witty and full of fun. It was a joy to be in her company, and we will miss her so much. I am sending you love and prayers for your comfort.
Dear Don and family,
We were blessed to know Gloria. She was so helpful when we were looking for a neurosurgeon for our daughter.
She will truly be missed by all who knew her. Dennis and I will also miss the good music times together.
May you find comfort in all the good memories.
Dennis and Judith
With all my love Gloria. You were such a bright light in this world, and I so treasure our times together. RIP, and love always, Melodee
Gloria and Don were my neighbors for several years. Gloria was always sitting on the front step of her condo talking to those who walked by. She was so friendly and knowledgeable – and consistently helped those in need. My sincere condolences to the family and all who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace.
Dear Don and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Gloria’s passing, (and to be so delinquent in sending our condolences). She was a lovely lady and will truly be missed by all.
Karla (and Pete) Shelton
Sadness fills my heart again.